Calif. Court Reverses Awards of Summary Judgment to 3 Asbestos Defendants

SAN FRANCISCO –– A California appellate court has reversed awards of summary judgment to three asbestos defendants, opining that while, in some instances, the evidence was “not overwhelming” or “not compelling,” the plaintiffs had still established that a triable issue of fact existed.

In the unpublished Feb. 8 opinion, the California 1st District Court of Appeal reversed summary judgment awards to Ford Motor Co., Navistar Inc., and Kelsey-Hayes Co., but affirmed a summary judgment award to Gibbs International Inc.

The plaintiffs asserted the claims on behalf of Gene Lepore, contending that he developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to …